What to do with my mostly gray hair
Printed From: HairBoutique.com
Category: Hair Talk
Forum Name: Hair Color
Forum Description: The tricks and tribulations of changing your hair color
URL: https://talk.hairboutique.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=43544
Printed Date: June 26 2024 at 8:34am
Topic: What to do with my mostly gray hair
Posted By: Diane N
Subject: What to do with my mostly gray hair
Date Posted: May 21 2006 at 2:46pm
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I've been graying since I was 17, which was more than a few years ago (I'm 55), and now I'd estimate I'm at least 75% gray. The gray itself is on the silvery side, and not unattractive, but what's left of my natural color (medium brown) really dulls the gray down. My skin is light and I feel that I look terribly washed out. Any suggestions as to ways to brighten up or blend the grey into my natural color? I don't want to make any major changes, just jazz it up a bit. When I was younger I was fearless with haircolor--I've done every shade of red known to man, for instance--but with this much gray I think those days are over for me. I just cut my hair super short on the back and sides (which is where the majority of the natural color is) with a slightly longer top and bangs. I love the haircut but I think it just needs something more. Any suggestions would be most welcome! |
Replies:
Posted By: KarenNJ
Date Posted: May 24 2006 at 9:13pm
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Hi Diane, When you say the medium bornw dulls the grey, my first thought was to try a "clear" semipermanent. It won't add color - it will just brighten it up with some extra shine. But I'm not sure that will resolve your concern about looking washed out. Depositing a light blonde color over the grey might be a subtle way to liven it up, but I don't know what shade would best compliment your skin tone. Taking a mirror and holding your face up to color swatches at Sally's might be the best way to decide what to do. :) Good luck! |
Posted By: hannebash
Date Posted: May 25 2006 at 10:51am
| My mom gets highlights on her darker hair to blend it with the grey and white. She has been doing this for about 5 years and her grey does look better when blended with blonde colors. |
Posted By: Sugarloaf
Date Posted: May 29 2006 at 2:08am
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Your hair sounds very like mine. I'm still growing out some old hair dye, but the rest is silver and dark brown. When the old dye has finally gone, I might jazz it all up with some subtle pink if such a thing is available. I too have pale skin and the pink would give some warmth...I think.
No offence to anyone, and I don't want to start a major row, but I think the old trick of going over grey with yellow/blonde looks horrible. Just my personal opinion and what do I know?!
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Posted By: Diane N
Date Posted: May 29 2006 at 6:12pm
I agree completely, which was why I was so hesitant to color in the first place! I went for a consultation at a salon yesterday and came home with an ashy brown color with lots of blonde highlights. It's a little darker than I wanted it, but it does look good. The ash and the blonde kind of balance each other out, and I think I look at least 5 years younger--always a plus!
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No offence to anyone, and I don't want to start a major row, but I think the old trick of going over grey with yellow/blonde looks horrible. Just my personal opinion and what do I know?!Posted By: Sugarloaf
Date Posted: June 01 2006 at 3:23am
| Glad you had a good result. You're blonde streaks sound fine. The look I dislike is the all-over blonde dye that shows a line of grey roots a couple of weeks later. My roots used to grow that quick. I never went blonde, but they still looked dreadful. I haven't touched dye for 15 months now and the change has been dramatic. I can't wait until the last of the dyed hair ends up on the floor! Luckily, my face is quite young and my natural hair colour suits me, so I can happily say I will never go near hair dye again. |